For the sixth consecutive year, Olmsted Falls School District has been named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education in America” by a national survey sponsored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. The school districts named by the NAMM Foundation demonstrate an unwavering commitment to providing music education for their students – even during these challenging economic times. Congratulations to the staff, students, parents and community members who help make our music program a nationally recognized success!

www.ofcs.netOlmsted Falls School District Spring 2012

At its regular monthly meeting in April, the Olmsted Falls Board of Education authorized the advertising and receipt of competitive bids for six permanent improvement projects.

These projects are being made possible by the passage of the critical 2.8 Mill Permanent Improvement (P.I.) Levy this past November. The six projects include:

IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS GET UNDERWAY AS YEAR ONE P.I. EXPENDITURES TAKE SHAPE

The local team from Martin Concrete Construction Company (based in Olmsted Falls) worked on the Falls-Lenox sidewalk expansion project over spring break in late March.

DISTRICT AMONG “BEST COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA” AGAIN

Students returned to a safer, wider walkway at the Falls-Lenox bus transportation hub thanks to funding from the recently passed P.I. Levy.

· Renovations to the Olmsted Falls High School auditorium· Roof repair work at Olmsted Falls High School and Falls-Lenox Primary School· Replacement of boilers at Olmsted Falls High School· Replacement of existing entrance doors at North, East and West entrances to Olmsted Falls High School· Installation of wireless network at Olmsted Falls High School as well as Falls-Lenox Primary School and ECC· District driveway/parking lot repair work

The above approved projects come on the heels of much-needed cement work, which was completed over the recent spring break recess by local vendor Martin Concrete Construction Company – also thanks to the new P.I. funds. (See photos at left.)The District plans to report regularly to the community on the progress of all P.I. funded projects and purchases. Any parents or residents with questions about the P.I. funds and/or the projects being planned are encouraged to contact the Board of Education office at 427-6000.

DISTRICT RECEIVES OHIO AUDITOR OF STATE AWARDOlmsted Falls School District has been presented with the Ohio Auditor of State Award from the Office of State Auditor Dave Yost. This award was presented for the District’s exemplary financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for the year 2011. Congratulations to both the team in the Treasurer’s Office and the staff of Olmsted Falls School District! It takes a cooperative and collective effort to ensure effective and accountable financial practices are in place for an organization. Olmsted Falls School District is very proud to share news of this award.If any resident has questions about the Olmsted Falls School District finances, you are encouraged to contact the Treasurer’s office at 427-6000.

Olmsted Falls School District Treasurer’s Office Staff (L to R): Assistant Treasurer Maria Bartulica, Fran Grega (Payroll), Treasurer Mark Hullman, Holly McFadden (Accounts Payable/Inventory) and Sharon Black (Accounts Payable).

OLMSTED FALLS HIGH SCHOOL RANKED AMONG NATION’S BEST HIGH SCHOOLS BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

In May, U.S. News & World Report released its annual ranking of the nation’s best high schools. For the second year in a row, OFHS made a good showing in these prestigious rankings. OFHS ranked number 76 of 873 high schools in the state (this number includes 124 charter schools). This ranking marked OFHS as one of only 93 schools in the state that was awarded a silver medal for its academic prowess. In addition, OFHS ranked number 1,513 of approximately 22,000 public high schools in 49 states. This ranking puts OFHS in an elite category and it could not be accomplished without the dedication of the teaching faculty, students, parents, and community. Thank you to all for your hard work. This national recognition is well deserved!

D.A.R.E. PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE TO BENEFIT STUDENTS The popular D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program will continue to benefit students in the Olmsted Falls School system during the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. This important program has been offered to students continuously for a good number of years thanks to grant funding and ongoing partnerships with both the Olmsted Falls Police Department and the Olmsted Township Police Department, who have historically taken turns running the program.

D.A.R.E.’s primary mission is to provide children with the information they need to live drug-and-violence-free lives. The mission is to equip kids with the tools that will enable them to avoid negative influences and instead, allow them to focus on their strengths and potential.

For the upcoming 2012-2013 school year, Olmsted Township Police Officer Jackie Ketterer will serve as the District’s D.A.R.E. Officer for the program at Olmsted Falls Middle School. Officer Ketterer will also continue in her role as School Resource Officer at Olmsted Falls High School.

Olmsted Falls School District wishes to thank the City of Olmsted Falls and Officer Bob Swope for his work as the District’s D.A.R.E. Officer for the past few years. Olmsted Falls School District and its students are very fortunate to have two outstanding law enforcement agencies engaged in this important education program.Olmsted Township Police Officer Jackie Ketterer

will serve as District’s D.A.R.E. Officer for 2012-2013.

OFHS STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETYCongratulations to the following OFHS students who were selected as new members of National Honor Society: seniors Katie Parfejewiec, Valerie Reinig, Matt Wachowiak and Edward Zajac; and juniors Danielle Augustin, Nick Buchta, Rachel Cho, Kevin Clancy, Sarah Cochrac, Megan Doherty, Allison Duber, Rachel DuBois, Kate Edgehouse, Jamie Fossen, Christopher Fox, Allison Gerycz, Erin Hoadley, Stephen Johnson, Emily Kocjan, Allison Paton, Shannon Poppe, Arrianna Robinson, Bradley Stricklen, Jacqueline Swinerton and Adam Woodruff. The formal NHS Induction ceremony took place May 4th in the OFHS auditorium in front of a capacity audience of parents, family members and fellow students.

Current and newly inducted National Honor Society members from OFHS, with OFHS Social Studies Teacher and NHS Advisor Brian Insley (far right), at May 4th NHS Induction Ceremony at Olmsted Falls High School.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES FROM OFHS Polaris Career Center inducted 37 students into the National Technical Honor Society during a special ceremony in April. Four were Olmsted Falls High School students (pictured at left, from L to R): Sarah Cochrac (Medical Professions, Junior), Gabrielle Garlitz (Business and Marketing Tech, Junior), Brian Bildstein (Precision Machining Tech, Senior), and Brittani Mancini (Criminal Justice, Junior).The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is America’s highest award for excellence in career and technical education. NTHS’s mission is to honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities for the organization’s members. Fewer than two percent of America’s secondary students are nominated for membership into this prestigious organization. Nominees are evaluated based on scholarship, service, leadership and character. Congratulations!

BULLDOGS PERFORM WELL AT ANNUAL SCIENCE OLYMPIADAfter four months of preparation, twenty-five 4th to 6th grade students participated in the Science Olympiad competition at Cleveland State University in March. This was a special cross-grade-level academic opportunity for students in our District. The students competed in twenty-four different events involving on-the-spot problem solving, construction, and in-depth knowledge on a wide variety of science topics. These outstanding students achieved second place overall and earned medals in 16 events! Congratulations to these hardworking students and thanks to their coaches and parents for your dedication, help and support!

KIWANIS CLUB DONATION TO FALLS-LENOX STUDENTS

Thank you to the Olmsted Kiwanis Club for their recent donation of books and playground balls to Falls-Lenox Primary School! The continuous thoughtfulness and generosity of our local Kiwanis Club is most sincerely appreciated by students and staff!

ECC STUDENTS TREATED TO SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY TALENTED VISITORS

Students at the Early Childhood Center (ECC) welcomed some very special visitors in March. Mr. Robert Stack (far left) and Mr. Patrick Logan, both members of the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums, entertained students with a special performance. Mr. Stack is the father of preschool teacher Ms. Megan Stack. Thank you to Mr. Stack and Mr. Logan for this very special visit!

HONORABLE SPEAKERS HELP PREPARE 8th GRADERS FOR ANNUAL WASHINGTON D.C. TRIPTo prepare the eighth graders for their annual spring trip to Washington D.C., lessons were arranged to provide the students with advanced knowledge and understanding about the significance of their journey. Invited speakers included WWII veteran, Mr. Bristow, and Vietnam veteran, Mr. Smith.

Pictured from L to R: Mrs. Cibulskas, Mr. Bristow, Mrs. Gross, and Mr. SmithMr. Bristow is a retired educator from the Fairview Park City Schools who now resides in Brunswick. He earned a Bronze Star for his service and spoke to the students about his experiences in Germany. Mr. Smith is a paraprofessional at OFMS and is a familiar face to the students. Although, students may know him by passing him in the hallway, they were able to gain a new perspective of his life in the military fighting for our country in Vietnam. Both speakers focused their presentations on their experiences and what the memorials in Washington, D.C. mean for the people and the veterans that visit them. Thank you to Mr. Bristow and Mr. Smith for enriching this annual educational experience for our students!

LOCAL SENIOR CITIZENS GET SNEAK PEAK OF SPRING MUSICAL

Olmsted Fal ls High School PTA invi ted local senior citizens to attend the final dress rehearsal of the High School M a s q u e r s ’ production of “ C i n d e r e l l a ” in April. These special guests

provided a perfect audience for our talented thespians as they prepared for two nights of performances. Refreshments were served and all who attended enjoyed!

OLMSTED FALLS BUS DRIVER IS REGION’S “DRIVER OF THE YEAR”Congratulations to Olmsted Falls School District bus driver Deb Campanalie on being named the “Ohio North Region Driver of the Year” by the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT). This is the second consecutive year that a bus driver from Olmsted Falls has been selected for this prestigious award. (Bus Driver Joyce Bigley brought home the honor last year!)Mrs. Campanalie accepted her award at the annual Ohio North Region School Bus Road-E-O held in Solon in early May. Several of her fellow Olmsted Falls bus drivers, in attendance to participate in this annual skills competition, along with Director of Transportation Heath Krakowiak, were on hand to celebrate with Mrs. Campanalie as she received her award. Mrs. Campanalie also earned the Olmsted Falls “Driver of the Year” award from her colleagues this year. The Olmsted Falls Board of Education honored Mrs. Campanalie for her award at their regular scheduled Board meeting in May.Often the first and last Bulldog staff member they come into contact with, Mrs. Campanalie makes a positive impact on students and parents each school day. Congratulations again!

Director of Transportation Heath Krakowiak (left) and Director of Business Services Tim Atkinson (right) congratulate Olmsted Falls’ bus driver Deb Campanalie for being named “Ohio North Region Driver of the Year.”

DID YOU KNOW?

OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS CONSIDERED A

LEADER IN COLLABORATION AND SHARED SERVICES

The Olmsted Falls School District has a revenue-generating contract to provide bus maintenance services to Fairview Park City Schools. This partnership began in 2010 and provides a win-win situation for both districts. This latest example of shared services involving Olmsted Falls Schools generates a new revenue stream for our District, while providing a much-needed service and increased efficiencies for nearby Fairview Park.

This is not the first time Olmsted Falls School District’s Transportation Department has entered into a regional agreement of this type. The District also provides maintenance and fuel services for Lakewood City Schools and the City of Olmsted Falls; and fuel services for Olmsted Township.

Westlife newspaper recently ran an article featuring the Olmsted Falls School District’s partnership with Fairview Park City Schools as a successful example of local collaboration and shared services.

COMMUNITY LEADERS INVITED TO SERVE AS GUEST READERSLocal community leaders volunteered their time to read to students at the Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center and Falls-Lenox Elementary School during the national Right to Read Week celebrations. Students enjoyed having special guest readers in their classrooms to read and discuss their favorite children’s books! Thanks to these and all of our guest readers from the community!

Olmsted Falls Police Officer Bob Swope

Olmsted Township Trustee Mrs. Jeanene Kress

Olmsted Falls City Council Member Mrs. Ann Marie Donegan

Olmsted Falls Board of Education Member Mr. Greg Surtman

Olmsted Falls Economic Development Director Mrs. Rosann Jones

The Olmsted Falls City School District hereby gives notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in the educational programs and activities operated by the district.

Olmsted Falls Board of Education26937 Bagley Rd.P.O. Box 38010Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PaidCleveland, OhioPermit No. 3288

IS PUBLISHED AS A LINE OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE RESIDENTS OF THE OLMSTED FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY

**********ECRWSS****LocalPostal Customer

BOARD OF EDUCATIONJames A. Weisbarth, PresidentJoseph T. Bertrand, Vice PresidentRhonda McCroneGreg SurtmanMichelle M. Theriot

Dr. Todd F. Hoadley, SuperintendentDr. James L. Lloyd, Assistant SuperintendentMark Hullman, Treasurer/CFOTimothy J. Atkinson, Director of Business Affairs

Kim Petrina, Editor (440) 427-6020

ON-LINE SURPLUS SUPPLY AUCTIONOPEN TO PUBLIC

Olmsted Falls School District is participating in an on-line auction to sell no longer needed equipment and supplies. For instructions on how to access the

auction website, please visit www.ofcs.net and click on the “District Surplus Supply Auction”

news item on the main home page.

Bidding Closes: June 9, 2012 @ 9:00 p.m.

PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

JUNE 28, 2012 @ 8:00 A.M.The Olmsted Falls School District’s Office of Student Services will be sharing information about the District’s participation in federal programs, specifically the title VIb IDEA funds specific to students with disabilities.

The public is invited to provide input on the allocation of these federal funds at a special meeting of the Olmsted Falls Board of Education on Thursday, June 28th at 8:00 a.m. at the Olmsted Falls Board of Education Office located at 26937 Bagley Road.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION FORM SUBMISSION DEADLINE

FOR 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012Please visit www.ofcs.net to download form

or call the Transportation Department at 427-6350.